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Predicament vs Awkward - What's the difference?

predicament | awkward |

As a noun predicament

is a definite class, state or condition.

As an adverb awkward is

(obsolete) in a backwards direction.

As an adjective awkward is

lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

predicament

English

Alternative forms

* (chiefly obsolete)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A definite class, state or condition.
  • An unfortunate or trying position or condition; a tight spot.
  • * {{quote-book
    • , year=1978 , author= , title=The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism , page=xv (20th edition) , passage=Culture, for me, is the effort to provide a coherent set of answers to the existential predicaments that confront all human beings in the passage of their life.}}
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=December 10 , author=Marc Higginson , title=Bolton 1 - 2 Aston Villa , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=The Midlanders will hope the victory will kickstart a campaign that looked to have hit the buffers, but the sense of trepidation enveloping the Reebok Stadium heading into the new year underlines the seriousness of the predicament facing Owen Coyle's men.}}
  • (logic) That which is predicated; a category.

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    Related terms

    * preach * predicate

    See also

    * can of worms * difficulty * kettle of fish * tight spot * trouble

    References

    * * *

    awkward

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (obsolete) In a backwards direction.
  • *, Bk.V, Ch.x:
    • Than groned the knyght for his grymme woundis, and gyrdis to Sir Gawayne and awkewarde hym strykes, and.

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments
    • John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.
  • Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing
    • That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.
    An awkward silence had fallen.
  • Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction
    • I'm very awkward at parties.
    Things get very awkward whenever 60-year old men use cheesy pick-up lines on me.
  • Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle
    • He's a right awkward chap.
    These cabinets are going to be very awkward when we move.

    Synonyms

    * (lacking dexterity) clumsy, ungraceful, unhandy, lubberly * (lacking social skill) maladroit

    Antonyms

    * (having dexterity) dexterous, graceful, skillful, gainly * (having social skills) cool, amiable

    Derived terms

    * awkwardly * awkwardness